Idiot

It’s hard to find a place in St. Petersburg that has not been touched in one way or another by the city’s extremely rich cultural and literary heritage. The Idiot Restaurant - situated in the historical part of St. Petersburg between St. Isaac’s Square and the Yusypov Palace - takes its name from one of the greatest novels to ever be written - Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Idiot”. There’s certainly nothing “idiotic” about this restaurant because if you have read the novel, you’ll know that the novel’s protagonist was far from an idiot. An easy and homey atmosphere of old Petersburg circa end of the XIX century takes you back to the days of Dostoevsky and other Russian literary masters. The menu is about as Russian as it gets, with mostly classical Russian dishes on offer. Expect to eat lots of caviar, blinchiki (crepes), pickled vegetables and traditional salads and soups, pelmeni (traditional dumplings) and various fish and meat offerings. Italian fare is also offered in a separate menu. Leave room for something off the dessert menu too. The drinks menu features a lengthy list of vodkas and other spirits, as well as fine European wines and extensive tea sorts - Russians do love their tea! Come for the food, stay for the fun: board games like backgammon, chess, cards and draughts are a great way to relax and socialize after a hearty Russian meal. Idiot is the perfect place for anything ranging from business meetings to late dinners, from family meals to simply spending time in a very relaxing atmosphere.

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17.02.2013
Joanne
Very tasty but not totally vegetarian as it includes fish dishes. None the less, not being a vegetarian myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this place. Great atmosphere, good wait staff. They are a bit heavy on the creamy version of everything!!

01.09.2011
kerry
The food was great the menu a treat for any English teacher and the environment &amp; service fantastic. A must for visitors even if the word 'vegetarian' is a little fexible.

01.05.2011
Mark
Very nice. Was recommended in guide book. Very helpful waitstaff. Good selections and food. I highly recommend.

30.04.2011
Mark
When I visited SPB I was advised to visit the Idiot. And what good advice. Centrally located and good feel of this nice place. Food and drink are also good. Superb wait staff!

28.07.2009
Biggs
Great surroundings, good service, BUT misleading advertising. The two for one drinks offer is not what it seems. Only applies to draught beer and this fact is NOT advertised until you get the bill!